October 30, 2014

In July, as the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) drove out more than 100,000 Christians in the area of Mosul in just a few days, many became newly aware of Islamic extremism at its worst. In Part I, we shared about Islamic extremist groups in the Middle East. Christians also face extraordinary dangers in both Africa and the Philippines.

Christians working in more than fourteen countries have indicated an increase in terrorist organizations that specifically target Christian populations. In Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, groups like al-Qaeda and Ansar al-Shariah are known for their violence. In Libya’s capital, Benghazi, Ansar al-Shariah reportedly offered a reward for any Christians who were turned in to them. Seven Coptic Christians living in one suburb of the city were abducted in February 2014 and found executed by their abductors the following morning. Christians throughout the region often face harassment and are threatened for their Christian faith.

Christians living in Egypt face similar threats from the Muslim Brotherhood. In August 2013, forty churches were attacked and set on fire, and at least 250 people were killed in the violence. Christians have had homes and shops looted and burned down.

Christian families must be especially protective of their daughters and wives. Teenage girls and young women are frequently kidnapped, married and forcibly converted to Islam. While this has been happening for decades, the number of kidnap victims spiked dramatically in 2014. VOM sources estimate that between 20 and 30 Coptic Christian girls were kidnapped each month. Often, videos of the girls stating that they converted willingly are sent to families. Recently, a woman, whose family was told by government officials she had left willingly, escaped. She publically denounced Egyptian government officials for their collusion with the radicals.

In Sudan, the government led by Omar al-Bashir is as dangerous as a terrorist group for believers there. In their quest to drive blacks and Christians from Sudan, the government continues to bomb schools, churches and homes in the Nuba Mountain region.

Like Sudan, Somalia is a majority-Muslim country. There, al-Shabab militants seek to ensure that any Christian is either converted to Islam or killed. The Islamic militants even go so far as to attack Christians in eastern Kenya as well as those living along the coast. Al-Shabab have tried to create an area governed by Sharia law in east Kenya, and they have burned churches, and killed many pastors and Christians.

Like their counterparts in Kenya, the Boko Haram militants in Nigeria desire an autonomous state ruled by Sharia. In the past three years, they have set fire to hundreds of churches along with the homes of Christians living in the northern Nigeria. After IS declared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria, Boko Haram announced their own caliphate in Nigeria. They have overrun many villages in the northern portion of the country, slaughtered Christians, set fire to churches and homes, and abducted females. In the October newsletter, you can read how Habila Adamu of Nigeria chose to stand up for his faith even while an AK-47 was pressed into his cheek.

Rebels in Nigeria and Kenya have declared themselves rulers of territory, but in the Philippines, insurgent groups like the Abu Sayyaf, Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front have fought with the Philippine government forces for decades, taking over villages, including stealing their livestock and harvests, and often kidnapping civilians or using them has human shields as they engage in gun battles with the Philippine army in Mindanao. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is now poised to receive control of a five-province area called Bangsamoro. It’s the first time that VOM workers are aware of where a democratically-run government is brokering a peace deal with insurgents – and awarding them with territory. Though the insurgents have agreed to disarm, Christians in the region face even further abuses in a Muslim-ruled area where many want to eradicate all Christian influence.

Christians around the world face an increasingly hostile world. However, the faith our brothers and sisters demonstrate shows us that we can remain faithful to Christ even in trying circumstances.

October 29, 2014

Around the world, the advance of Islamic extremist groups is creating increasing difficulties for Christians, as Islamists seek territory and political power. Islamic groups often terrorize Christians by chasing them off of their property, appropriating Christian properties, and even kidnapping or killing family members.The increasing threat of extremism was highlighted this year with the advance of the Islamic State (IS) terror group from Syria into Iraq.

Taking advantage of the war between Muslim rebels and the Syrian government, IS militants begin seizing control of cities in both Syria and Iraq and declared a “caliphate” in June 2014. As celebrations were held, video cameras rolled showing Islamic supporters in Raqqa, Syria, firing guns into the air, but few took notice until IS overtook Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul, in a matter of hours in July. Thousands of believers living in the historically Christian areas nearby were given few choices: convert to Islam, pay a high tax, leave the area, or face death. To save their lives, nearly all of the estimated 100,000 believers fled their homes. The ongoing war in neighboring Syria has claimed the lives of another 100,000 people, both Muslim and Christian.

Even while extremists appropriated nearly one-third of Iraq and Syria as their caliphate, some Christians continued to reach out to those around them. As many Muslims impacted by the war were driven from their homes in Syria, Christians began distributing “outreach packs” to Muslims who had largely been ignored by their Muslim leaders. The packs were simple gifts of clothing and food, but they spoke of Jesus’ love for everyone, even those who don’t love Him. Similarly, when the influx of refugees came in from Mosul after the IS takeover, Christians began reaching out to the Muslim refugees with quiet evangelism. At the same time, local Christians in Kurdistan have been serving their now-homeless brothers and sisters from Mosul.

Violence against Christians by terrorist groups isn’t limited to the Iraq/Syria conflict. In Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, Christians are also subject to the brutality of groups like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. There, Christians are opposed openly and there is little opportunity for evangelism. Islamic insurgents often kidnap individuals in exchange for money or prisoners.

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, Christians face the Taliban. In the worst attack on Christians in Pakistan’s history, two suicide bombers from a Taliban faction attacked the All Saints Church in Peshawar last year, killing at least 87 people and injuring more than 120 people. But in spite of the attack, believers continue to worship in the church.

While facing huge obstacles, Christians throughout the Middle East are remaining faithful. They continue to meet together, and they evangelize those around them. They look to support from their Christian brothers and sisters who will pray for them and help them access materials like Bibles, gospel tracts, Christian literature and media.

October 28, 2014

It's not too late to make sure that your church will "Remember those in bonds..." (Heb. 13:3) this Sunday on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).

Each year, VOM produces a short film for churches to show during IDOP services, to illustrate the challenges faced by our persecuted brothers and sisters and to encourage prayer on their behalf.

This year's video, Liena's Prayer, can be viewed above. While it may be too late to order a DVD of the film to show this weekend, you can DOWNLOAD the video here.

There are also numerous other resources to help your church pray, including a church bulletin insert and prayer resources for both youth and children.

The first request of persecuted Christians, when VOM staff travels to meet with and minister to them, is that we PRAY. Your church can be a part of the answer to their request this Sunday on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

While IDOP is an important Sunday, our family in hostile and restricted nations needs prayer throughout the year. VOM has tools to help you pray, including our 2015 Prayer Calendar and apps for your iOS and Android smartphone that remind you to pray each day. ICommitToPray is a web site updated each week with fresh requests from hostile and restricted nations.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

October 27, 2014

A trip to the Middle East is not needed to learn that untold numbers of people are suffering in these ancient lands. Multiple media outlets are sharing unimaginable stories riddled with pain and affliction. Followers of Jesus Christ, once known as the 'sect of the Nazarene,' are being relentlessly pursued by radical Islamic factions. They are being kidnapped, tortured, raped, and forced to flee their homes and the birthplace of Christianity. A genocidal fire fueled by fierce evil is scorching the Middle East, and leaving in its wake death and destruction.

From the comforts of my home I watch and listen to numerous reports being shared with the world today. At the same time, I have the option of stepping away from the stories when I find my senses overwhelmed by the suffering depicted. I have the ability to turn off my computer, or avoid a particular website. I can turn off television, radio, or step away from written material. I have the ' freedom' to choose the frequency, and volume, in which I will allow the pain of others to touch me. This is not so for Christians in places like Iraq, Libya, Syria, or Egypt – this luxury is not an option. Rather the raw pain and anguish of persecution is being vividly lived out in their lives daily.

Perhaps this is what a Middle Eastern brother meant recently when he said to me “I think freedom in your country, and freedom in my country, mean two different things."

As troubling as I find the atrocities being committed against followers of Jesus Christ today – I find the silence from what is termed the 'free' world more disheartening. The shedding of innocent blood dates as far back as the first book of the Bible. In the book of Genesis, chapter 4, we are told of the slaying of Abel at the hands of his brother Cain. Only the blood of Abel could not be silent. The cries of his blood traveled from the ground to the ears of God. Not unlike the days of Cain and Abel, the blood of innocent men, women, and children continue to cry out to God. Even now, the martyr’s blood is heard crying from the deserts of Egypt, the mountains of Iraq, the streets of Libya, and the desolate places of Syria. It echoes off of prison walls, underground meetings, and public squares. Sometimes heard as the voice of one, other times it is heard in harmony with the voices of many.

Then theLordsaid to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said,“I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” And theLordsaid, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's bloodis crying to me from the ground. Genesis 4:9 - 10

Todaythe martyrs blood continues to cry and a remnant of God’s people acknowledge they are their brother’s keeper.

I recently met a young Middle Eastern girl whose simple devotion to Jesus spoke volumes to me. It was not long after meeting her that I sensed a beautiful story lay beneath her gentle brown eyes. I recognized the aroma of Christ she wore—it was the same scent I have seen on those who have suffered greatly for their faith. It is a fragrance that carries with it a high price, yet cannot be bought. A Nazarene King paid the price with HIs own blood long ago. It is now freely given in exchange for sacrifice and surrender.

I later learned that she had been nearly beaten to death at the hands of her fellow students in primary school. This young Christian girl was found drawing a picture of a church building during a break from her studies. This sight outraged her Muslim classmates who began to beat her mercilessly—without interference from the teachers in her school. Her mother tells the story of being called to the hospital to find her daughter close to death. I could hear the tangible pain in her voice as she described this time in their lives. I wish I could say this was an isolated case of persecution for this family. But, it is not. They, like many Middle Eastern families, are well acquainted with the price one pays for being of the 'Sect of the Nazarene.'

This attack did not harden the hearts of this family. To the contrary, today they passionately reach out to their Muslim neighbors with love and respect. Whether it is standing to offer their seats to other Muslim women who enter the train, or taking the hand of a frightened Muslim mother with her baby in her arms, needing assistance down a long flight of stairs. This love is lived out when she routinely travels long distances to serve Muslim people in need. Out of their hardships they have been given hearts that have a capacity to love even greater.

Yes, we are our brother's keeper. Being our brother's keeper means giving voice to their stories. It is standing in solidarity with our persecuted family. It is praying for them - and with them. It is following their example, and learning from them. It is assisting them with both spiritual and practical assistance. It is standing, arm-in-arm, as we embrace the cross of Jesus Christ together.

One way we can stand with our suffering family is on the International Day of Prayer for The Persecuted Church. November 2nd is this day where believers from all over the world will join in pray for those who suffer for their faith.

“They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’” Revelations 6:10

Tami Yeager was first introduced to VOM through a newsletter she was handed in 2003. As she began to read the stories shared within those pages she was confronted with a reality that did not fit into the package she had unknowingly wrapped her knowledge of God in. As she began to learn of the suffering of Christians around the world a desire grew to serve them. Today she serves as volunteer Community Coordinator in the Be A Voice ministry of VOM.

October 24, 2014

This week's episode of VOMRadio is live online, featuring an interview with Gracia Burnham.

Martin and Gracia Burnham were serving as missionaries in the Philippines when they went away for a few days together to celebrate their anniversary. Those few days turned into a year in the jungle when they were kidnapped by radical Muslim terrorists.

In this interview, Gracia shares how she wrestled with God and even with her own faith during those dark days of captivity, and how she experienced the prayers of God’s people, even as Martin was killed during a rescue attempt.

Gracia bears witness to God’s faithfulness to the Burnhams and their children. Her story challenges each of us to glorify God regardless of what trials we face.

October 23, 2014

During a staff meeting this morning one of VOM's executives shared a devotional on the life of great missionary C.T. Studd.

Studd was an All-England Cricketer. He was a freshman at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1879-1880, and took a degree in law. By that time he had been challenged to a missionary career and, forsaking his cricketing fame and the family fortune, he followed Hudson Taylor to China.

He returned 21 years later, broken in health, after serving in China and India. Unexpectedly he received a new and very distinct call to the heart of Africa. At 53, leaving his invalid wife in England, he set out in utter reliance on God's promises. His answer to all who questioned the wisdom of his action was found on a postcard on his desk: If Jesus Christ be God, and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.

Perhaps Studd’s most famous quote is this one:

“Some want to live within the sound Of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop, Within a yard of hell.”

But in his letters and sermons there are many gems for people of faith. For today’s post we share just a few of them:

Difficulties, dangers, disease, death, or divisions don't deter any but Chocolate Soldiers from executing God's Will. When someone says there is a lion in the way, the real Christian promptly replies, "That's hardly enough inducement for me; I want a bear or two besides to make it worth my while to go."

Don't go into the study to prepare a sermon -- that's nonsense. Go into your study to God and get so fiery that your tongue is like a burning coal and you have got to speak.

The "romance" of a missionary is often made up of monotony and drudgery; there often is no glamour in it; it doesn't stir a man's spirit or blood. So don't come out to be a missionary as an experiment, it is useless and dangerous. Only come if you feel you would rather die than not come. Lord Wolsey was right: "A missionary ought to be a fanatic or he encumbers the ground." There are many trials and hardships. Disappointments are numerous and the time of learning the language is especially trying. Don't come if you want to make a great name or want to live long. Come if you feel there is no greater honour, after living for Christ, than to die for Him. That does the trick in the end. It's not the flash in the pan but the steady giving forth of light, it's shining on and on that we need out here. Our job is to make all hear the Word. God's job is to give penetration to His Word.

Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle.

Thank the Lord today for the life and ministry of C.T. Studd. You can read more of his quotes here.

October 21, 2014

VOM's Todd Nettleton spoke yesterday with Gary Lane of CBN News about the recent decision of the High Court in Lahore to uphold the guilty verdict against Asia Bibi and the death penatly against her. Here is the rusulting CBN News story:

October 20, 2014

Last week, Pakistan’s High Court rejected the appeal of a Christian woman sentenced to death for the crime of blasphemy. Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, Asia Bibi will be put to death.

After half a dozen postponements and cancellations, Asia Bibi’s appeal was heard on Oct. 16 in the Lahore High Court. The defense took most of 35-minute hearing to argue their side, stating that plaintiffs waited six days before filing a complaint against the Christian woman. They argued that this showed conspiracy and intentional targeting. Her lawyers also pointed out that the man who issued the complaint did not even witness the alleged blasphemous statement. Twenty-five mullahs watched the proceedings from inside the courtroom. Outside, some 2,000 mullahs gathered in an effort to pressure the court into uphold the death sentence.

After the judges deliberated for nearly an hour, they denied her appeal. Asia Bibi’s lawyers now have 30 days to appeal to the Supreme Court, Pakistan’s highest court.

Asia Bibi was arrested in June 2009 after a heated argument with two of her co-workers. Asia worked for a Muslim-landowner as did many of the women in her village. As one of three Christian families in her village, after being pressured to convert to Islam during the spat, she defended her faith. “Our Christ is the true prophet of God,” she reportedly told the women, “and yours is not true.”

For this crime, in November 2010, she was sentenced to death. It took nearly four years before the courts would listen to her appeal. Having her appeal heard before the Supreme Court will likely take just as long. VOM sources say she could expect to wait months or even years.

October 17, 2014

They seem to step up when others slide back. They are willing to speak up when others quiet down.

God has given each of us a unique style and personality. Sometimes it’s tempting to use our lack of natural “giftedness” as a reason not to follow through on what God has asked us to do.

He gives us opportunities every day to shine for Him!

A Filipina sister joyfully shares about God’s provision.

A Filipina sister that I met recently was confronted with an intense trial. She lives in an area of the Philippines where she is clearly a minority. She has experienced the lonely feeling of being one of the very few who are following Jesus in this predominantly Muslim area.

Not long ago, she rushed to the hospital to find that her twin granddaughters had been born prematurely. Their future was bleak. Would they survive at all? What would life be like for them if they faced a future of severe struggle and pain?

She told me that she prayed hard for the tiny girls, as any grandmother would. Then she told me that she began to understand that God called her to that hospital room at that specific time.

Then something interesting happened. As she prayed for her premature granddaughters, others began to take notice. People around her were watching closely.

At first, it may have been a bit awkward, but she pressed on. She said that she was not ashamed to pray in front of the doctors and nurses, even though they were Muslims.

As they days went on, several of the medical staff members were touched by her testimony. Then, she felt God leading her to step out even further.

She began going from bed to bed in the hospital ward asking other patients if she could pray with them. It wasn’t easy, or comfortable, but she was able to witness God at work in spectacular ways in that hospital ward!

Here are three ways that we can step up when we want to slide back:

1. EMBRACE OPPORUNITIES TO BE “STRETCHED.” Boldness is like a muscle that can be developed. The more you step out, the easier it becomes. Our faith is based on “walking by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Be willing to embrace the awkwardness, to move out of your comfort zone and watch what God will do!

2. JOYFULLY LOOK FOR “DIVINE APPOINTMENTS.” I made a new friend at a VOM Regional Conference in California earlier this year. As she scurried around helping set up for the conference, I noticed that she responded to requests for help with, “It’s my joy!” She was overloaded with joy and accepted people, places and opportunities as gifts from the Lord. Our Father cultivates deep, abiding joy within us when we accept His appointments.

3. REST IN THE HOLY SPIRIT’S PROVISION. Mark 13:10-11 is one of the most encouraging Scriptures in my life: “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” We can rest. We have the calm confidence of knowing that God will provide everything that we need in that precise moment of need. Even the very words that we speak!

YOUR TURN: What are some ways that God has helped you step up when you wanted to slide back? How can you connect with other sisters and brothers who are looking for ways to boldly stand with those who are persecuted? Click here to see if there is a VOM Regional Conference coming to your area.

Dr. Jason Petersserves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. He has ministered in 35 countries, as diverse as Cuba, India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Burma, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria. Before joining VOM’s team, Jason was a faculty member of the US Air Force Chaplain Corps College, where he directed Crisis and Trauma training. Jason, his wife, Kimberly, and their five children are actively engaged in standing with their persecuted sisters and brothers.